How are voices represented? How is influence exercised? And how is change shaped within communities, institutions and decision making systems?
These were some of the questions explored by our 2026 AVCLP cohort through their Melbourne Study Tour last week, examining leadership at the intersection of policy, advocacy, participation and representation.
The cohort met with Sam Champion, Participation & Development Manager at Youth Affairs Council Victoria, and Kirsten Abernethy, Executive Director of Victorian Women’s Trust, with conversations centred around mechanisms for amplifying voices and creating pathways for inclusive participation and influence.
They then converged with the Goulburn Murray Community Leadership Fairley Leadership Program cohort for a shared session and discussion, alongside a visit to Parliament House; hearing from Madam Speaker The Hon Maree Edwards MP, Kim O’Keeffe MP, Annabelle Cleeland MP, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell MLC and Wendy Lovell MLC, who shared reflections on leadership, representation and public life. The cohort also observed proceedings within the Legislative Council, providing further insight into parliamentary process and debate.
Beyond the sessions themselves, the experience strengthened personal connections across the cohort and created space for reflection and shared learning.
